Dai Dower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dai Dower |
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|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | David William Dower |
| Rated at | Flyweight |
| Nationality | Welsh |
| Born | 20 June 1933 Abercynon, Wales |
| Died | 1 August 2016 (aged 83) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 37 |
| Wins | 34 |
| Wins by KO | 12 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Draws | 0 |
| No contests | 0 |
David William "Dai" Dower was a famous Welsh professional boxer. He was born on June 20, 1933, and passed away on August 1, 2016. Dai Dower was known for being a British, Empire, and European Flyweight boxing champion. Many people think he was one of the best Welsh boxers ever! He even received an MBE award.
Contents
Becoming a Boxer: Amateur Years
Dai Dower started his boxing journey as an amateur. In 1952, he became the British flyweight champion with the Amateur Boxing Association. This was a big achievement!
Because of his talent, Dai was chosen to join the Great Britain team for the 1952 Summer Olympics in Finland. He won two fights there, beating boxers from France and Sri Lanka. He eventually lost to a strong boxer from the Soviet Union.
Turning Professional: A Champion's Rise
Even while working as a coal miner, Dai Dower decided to become a professional boxer in 1953. His first professional fight was in Cardiff, and he won by technical knockout! He quickly won many more fights.
In March 1954, after winning 14 fights in a row, Dai fought the British Flyweight Champion, Terry Allen. Even though it wasn't a title fight, Dai stopped Allen in the second round. This showed everyone how skilled he was.
Winning His First Titles
After 20 successful fights, Dai Dower got his first chance to win a title. In October 1954, he became the British Empire Champion by beating Jake Tuli from South Africa. This was a huge step in his career!
The Ring magazine, a very famous boxing publication, ranked Dai as the third-best flyweight in the world in November 1954. He was also named the 'Best Young Boxer' of 1954.
In 1955, Dai Dower got married to Evelyn Trapp. That same year, he won another important title. He fought Eric Marsden for the British flyweight crown and also defended his Empire title. Dai won the fight after 15 rounds, adding the British title to his collection.
Just five months later, Dai Dower won his third major title! He fought Nazzareno Gianelli for the European Flyweight title. Dai won on points, becoming the European champion. He was still unbeaten after 23 professional fights!
Facing Challenges and Later Career
Dai Dower's first loss came when he was defending his European title. He lost to a Spanish boxer named Young Martin. It was a tough fight, and Dai was knocked down several times before the fight ended in the twelfth round.
In December 1955, Dai successfully defended his Empire title against Jake Tuli again. He continued to win fights in 1956. However, his boxing plans were put on hold when he had to join the army for two years of National Service. He gave up his boxing titles at this time.
In March 1957, Dai Dower had a big fight against the World Flyweight Champion, Pascual Perez. The fight took place in Perez's home country, Argentina. Unfortunately, Dai lost in the first round.
After his time in the army, Dai Dower had only one more professional fight in October 1958, which he lost on points.
Life After Boxing
After his boxing career, Dai Dower became a sports teacher. He worked at Ringwood Grammar School and later became the head of sport at Bournemouth University. He held this position for 21 years!
In June 1998, Dai Dower was awarded an MBE for his many years of teaching sports to children. He lived in retirement in Bournemouth and passed away on August 1, 2016, at 83 years old.
See also
- Boxing at the 1952 Summer Olympics
- List of British flyweight boxing champions
